Investigation and inquest
On the 6th August 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Brendan Owain Ryan, aged 21. The investigation concluded at the end of an inquest on the 11th December 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was of "Road Traffic Collision" and the medical case of death was:-
1a. Neck Injuries
1b. Road Traffic Incident
Circumstances of the death
Brendan Owain Ryan was the front seat passenger in a Peugeot 205 vehicle driven by his best friend, ████████ along the A488 between Pen-Y-Bont and Knighton in Powys when on the 31st July 2013 the vehicle left the road colliding with a stock fence and entering a field. Mr Ryan was declared deceased at the scene.
Coroner’s concerns
1. There is evidence of an unusually high number of incidents taking place at this particular location. Powys County Council are aware of three injury collisions and there is evidence, from the residents of Brook House, that there have been many accidents at or near this location which the evidence indicated are most likely to have been caused by excess speed. Furthermore it is believed there were three collisions at or near this collision site within a six day period surrounding this incident.
2. Evidence from the Collision Investigator in this case showed that the maximum speed at which the bends in this road at this location could be travelled at were 50 and 53 mph depending on the direction of approach. Whilst it is acknowledged that the County Council have installed new signage and double white lines in the area in light of the unusually high number of incidents in which vehicles appear to have left the road, most likely as a direct result of excessive speed, it is felt that consideration ought to be given to a restricted speed area at this location.